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Welcome To Western Economic Development Organization

Our Mission Statement: To promote economic growth and development within low income communities through means of interest free loans, grants in aid, technical assistance, training, marketing and economic assistance.

WEDO has been involved in various general economic development projects that have been profitable to the low income in the area. Examples: raising red worms; picking up night crawlers for immediate sale; small cut and sew operations; Christmas tree production; community gardens; and sub contract work for vocational rehabilitation centers.

WEDO is a Proud Member of the:

Funds available for vocational training, high school equivalency

Photo by: Aaron MabryFunds are now available through the Western Economic Development Organization for students to receive vocational training or a High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly known as GED) at Haywood Community College. Pictured left to right are two students in HCC’s current Nurse Aide class who received these funds: student Sabrina Ashe; Mary Ann Morgan, Executive Director of the Western Economic Development Organization; and student Susie Evans.

Sabrina Ashe has worked in the fast food industry for years. She is now enrolled in Haywood Community College’s nurse aide course and plans to use these new skills to leave the fast food business for a better paying job.

Ashe is the recipient of grant funds from the Western Economic Development Organization. The organization still has funds available for Haywood County residents that would like to receive vocational training or a High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly known as GED) at HCC.

The application is also open to residents in other counties listed in the service area as follows: Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey, and Qualla Indian Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation), provided that individuals obtain their testing and vocational training from HCC.

“Receiving these funds will help me get a better job so I can provide for my family better,” Ashe said. “Mary Ann Morgan, executive director of the Western Economic Development Organization, is very supportive. I appreciate all the help she has given me.”

“I have some experience helping people in their homes but I wanted to be certified," she said. "Without these funds, I could not have come back to school.”

Evans is also working toward a High School Equivalency Diploma at HCC. Prior to starting the nurse aide program, she worked as a housekeeper at Silver Bluff.

“I love this type of work,” Evans said. “I am a people person. I enjoy helping the elderly.”

Western Economic Development Organization’s mission is to promote economic growth and development within low income communities through means of interest free loans, grants in aid, technical assistance, training, marketing and economic assistance. By assisting individuals to obtain the High School Equivalency Diploma and other vocational training, the organization is promoting the growth of a strong community for Haywood County.

“Being able to come back to school is a way to better myself and my life. I really appreciate the help Mary Ann gave me,” Evans said. “It was a tremendous help, a blessing to me.”

In addition to the funds available through this organization, HCC’s Foundation has additional scholarship funds available for Workforce Development students. Call 565-4170 for more information.

For more information about funds available through the Western Economic Development Organization, contact Morgan at 144 Industrial Park Drive, Unit C, Waynesville or call 452-7585.